Delayed July 4 fireworks display took place Nov. 24 over Lake Estes

Sparks from fireworks are blown around Lake Estes and the neighborhood on the north shore. Spot fires from the fallout led to a slightly early end to the show on Saturday.
(
Walt Hester
)

Gusty winds led to an early end to Saturday's fireworks show over Lake Estes. The show was called a few minutes earlier than planned Saturday night after a wind shift caused embers to hit the ground and ignite some spot fires, which were quickly extinguished.

The Nov. 24 display over Lake Estes was a makeup date for the traditional July 4 fireworks show that was cancelled this past summer by the town over fire concerns. At that time, the area was still reeling over two devastating fires. The High Park Fire north of Fort Collins consumed tens of thousands of acres and resulted in one death, and the June 23 High Park Fire in west Estes Park that destroyed more than 20 homes and scorched over 20 acres.

The show was stopped Saturday after embers started hitting the ground over the north edge of Lake Estes, igniting small fires in the process. A town spokesperson said officials quickly stopped the show when professional spotters noticed the small spot fires, the largest of which was less than two feet in diameter. A pyrotechnic crew of approximately 14 people stationed down-wind with portable water extinguishers immediately extinguished the fires. One engine, one brush truck and seven firefighters from the Estes Valley Fire Protection District were also on site. Officials say these safety precautions are taken for all town fireworks displays.

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"We take many precautions because safety is the very first priority of the town and of the professionals who manage our fireworks," said town administrator Frank Lancaster. "Because of these precautions, there were no serious problems. Although we were prepared to cancel if wind conditions weren't right, at the time leading up to and at the start of the show, there was no indication it would be problematic. Although the show ended earlier than planned, it was the safest thing to do."

Officials say they moved ahead with the fireworks display Saturday after carefully considering wind speed and direction. Officials say that at the time the display began, the pyrotechnic contractor registered the wind speed at approximately seven miles per hour, and the wind direction was considered optimal for the display. Although embers rarely reach the ground, wind direction is factored in to be sure that if they do, they land in the eastern portion of Lake Estes.